Bell Helicopter has announced the first flight of the V-280 Valor tiltrotor. Bell describes the machine as a next-generation tiltrotor designed to provide unmatched agility, speed, range and payload capabilities at an affordable cost.

The Bell V-280 Valor programme is part of the Joint Multi Role Technology Demonstrator (JMR-TD) initiative. The JMR-TD programme is the science and technology precursor to the Department of Defense's Future Vertical Lift programme.

The V-280 programme brings together the engineering resources and industrial capabilities of Bell Helicopter, Lockheed Martin, GE, Moog, IAI, TRU Simulation & Training, Astronics, Eaton, GKN Aerospace, Lord, Meggitt and Spirit AeroSystems—collectively referred to as Team Valor.

The V-280, powered by two T64-GE-419 engines, will offer an anticipated cruise speed of 280 KTAS, with a 500-800 nm combat range, along with the ability to self-deploy to any theatre and perform a multitude of vertical lift missions currently unachievable in one aircraft.